NMEA Gateways & Multiplexers
NMEA 0183 devices can be connected to a computer via a USB gateway or multiplexer that has been designed for that purpose. A gateway provides a single input and output whereas a multiplexer provides several inputs and one or more outputs.
Although an NMEA 0183 device can be connected directly to a serial port, this is not recommended since the NMEA uses V.11 (RS-422) signals and serial ports use V.28 (RS-232) signals. The two can inter-work, but reliability cannot be guaranteed.
Most of these devices use serial-USB interface chips made by just two manufacturers: FTDI & Prolific. Both these chip makers provide Windows & Mac OS X device driver downloads on their web sites.
Although an NMEA 0183 device can be connected directly to a serial port, this is not recommended since the NMEA uses V.11 (RS-422) signals and serial ports use V.28 (RS-232) signals. The two can inter-work, but reliability cannot be guaranteed.
Most of these devices use serial-USB interface chips made by just two manufacturers: FTDI & Prolific. Both these chip makers provide Windows & Mac OS X device driver downloads on their web sites.
| Model | Vendor | Type | Linux | Windows | Mac OS X |
| MiniPlex-USB(-AIS) | ShipModul | Mux | Yes, with driver | Yes, with driver | |
| USG-1 | Actisense | GW | Yes, with driver | ||
| NM42U | Noland | Mux | Yes | ||
| NMEA Mux w. Seatalk | gadgetPool.de | Mux | Yes | Yes, with driver | Yes, with driver |